Refreshingly outspoken and opinionated about topics as diverse as food in Mexico and beyond to American politics, she was in Toronto recently for a dinner cooked by Chris McDonald at his restaurant Cava.

The seven-course meal was based on Kennedy’s recent cookbook, Oaxaca al Gusto, a journey through the diverse state of Oaxaca and its many local cuisines.

McDonald spent several years cooking in Mexico and the meal was authentic and dazzling.

FEATURED RECIPE

These vegetarian dumplings are based on the ones at Mission Chinese restaurant in New York City. The recipe has been adapted by Olivia Simpson, who worked at Mission Chinese, and Donna Borooah for the home kitchen. Check out the video at the bottom of the page to see our technique for crimping dumplings. For a real flavour boost, use rehydrated…